Factors Important To Successful Intercultural Adjustment:
Open-Mindedness. The ability to keep one's responses flexible and receptive to new stimuli is crucial for this factor. Open-minded is demonstrated by a willingness to try to understand and appreciate (although not necessarily adopt) the values and beliefs of others, and the fact that a different point of view is valid. Sense of Humor. A sense of humor is important because in another culture, there are many things which lead one to weep, get angry, be annoyed, embarrassed, or discouraged. The ability to laugh things off, and not take one's self or the situation too seriously will help guard against despair. Ability to Cope with Failure. The ability to tolerate failure is critical because everyone fails at something overseas. Persons who go overseas are often those who have been successful in their home environments and thus may have rarely experienced failure. Such experience with failure is important in developing a range of coping skills. Communicativeness. Many situations in other cultures are confusing and ambiguous. A successful candidate needs to be able to express one's own feelings and thoughts, as well as to be able to ask for help in interpreting unfamiliar behaviors and subtle cultural cues. They should also be able and willing to listen to others express their thoughts and feelings. Flexibility and Adaptability. The ability to respond to or to tolerate the ambiguity of new situations is a crucial factor in cross cultural adjustment. This may mean having to alter and/or give up familiar behavioral patterns, and become familiar with or take on new behaviors of the host family and culture. Curiosity. Curiosity is the demonstrated desire to know about other people, places, ideas, values, etc. This skill or personality trait is important for intercultural travelers because they are constantly being confronted with new and different events and behaviors, and a genuine interest in those differences usually leads to positive responses. Positive and Realistic Expectations. It is well known that students choose to spend time overseas for a variety of reasons, some publicly stated and many private ones. It is important to notice how realistically the student understands that this experience will be difficult but worth the reward if s/he perseveres. Tolerance for Differences. A person will need to be able to tolerate, for a long period of time, people who have different values, beliefs and practices. This implies an inner strength to be able not only to learn about others but also to feel secure within one's self in the midst of others who may feel, look, and act in a different manner. Positive Regard for Others. This factor includes the ability to express warmth, empathy, respect, and positive regard for other persons. It is the ability to perceive and "feel" a situation from the point of view of others without judging or reacting negatively. People are most effective when they are able to communicate this empathy to others even when a situation or behavior may make them feel uncomfortable. A Sense of Self. A clear, secure feeling about oneself is usually present in individuals who are neither weak nor overbearing in their relationships with others. Persons with this strong, secure sense of themselves stand up for what they believe but do not cling to those beliefs in the face of new information or perspectives. A good sense of self is also expressed in an individual's ability to understand and appreciate the values and beliefs of others while not being overly fearful of losing oneself in the process.
Before you pack, check with your airlines to see how much baggage you will be allowed to take with you. Usually, passengers are allowed 2 large bags that will be checked at the airport (dimensions vary depending on the airline) and 2 carry-ons that you can bring with you on to the plane. Contact your airline to find out how large these bags can be. Official Documents:
Original passport and visa, and a copy of your IAP-66 or I-20 form (this may be attached to your passport). Also make a copy of these documents to have with you in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Medical documents: Proof (in English!) of any immunizations you have had.
Certified copies of official diplomas and transcripts as well as recommendation letters in your native language and in English. You may want to apply for jobs, scholarships, or programs while you are in the US and it will be very difficult to get these documents once you have left your home country. Clothes:
Bring a basic selection of clothes for each season. Check for weather conditions of the town you will live in before you leave, and bring clothes appropriate for other regions if you intend to travel. Remember that American students dress casually. You will need at least one formal outfit for special occasions. Names and addresses/E-mail/fax numbers of family and friends:
Collect this information before you leave your home country! And don't forget to give out your address to your contacts here before you leave. If you don't have a permanent address, the international student office may be able to provide you with a temporary address at the university that you can use in the meantime. Gifts:
Bring a few inexpensive gifts that are representative of your culture to share with new friends. Music, picture books, postcards, pins, and cookbooks are some suggestions. Books:
Books are heavy, so only bring the ones you will absolutely need. Past students have suggested bi-lingual dictionaries (especially technical dictionaries pertaining to your field of study), basic texts and manuals that will be useful in your studies. Medicine:
A small supply of familiar medication, such as pain relievers, that you are used to. If you have prescription medicines, you might want to bring a larger supply of those as well. Doctors in the US will not prescribe medications, even if you bring prescriptions with you, without a diagnosis. So, if you know you will need certain medications immediately, bring them. Photos of friends, relatives and places you love. Music cassettes, CD:
Music you enjoy and music that can be useful for cultural activities. And Don't Forget:
• To prepare a "carry-on" travel bag with a change of clothes, important documents and personal articles you may need, in case your luggage is lost or temporarily misdirected during your journey.
• To label all luggage inside and out with your name (c/o your department or the international student office) and the name and address of your university destination.
• To take some spending money to cover incidentals during your trip. Bring enough for taxi fare, meals, and one night's stay in a hotel in case you are not met at the airport.
|| Most Difficult Questions About Visas
||
|| Q:
||
How should I behave during the interview? Which questions are asked during the interview?
||
|| A:
||
Both J1 and F1 visa applicants are subject for interviews at the Embassy. • Be confident, sincere and willing to answer any question. Be yourself and DO NOT LIE. • Be ready to describe your academic program and the kind of career or job it will help you get after return to your home country. • You will be asked to prove that you can finance your education and that you will return home after the program. These are normal questions and you should be prepared to answer them with cogent arguments.
||
|| Q:
||
In which cases can they refuse to issue me a visa?
||
|| A:
||
You will be denied a visa if: • You fail to demonstrate the intention to return home after completion of your studies • You don’t have adequate financial support • You don’t seem to be qualified for the proposed program of study (for example, you have very poor English)
||
|| Q:
||
Will I get a visa denial if I took part in green card lottery before?
||
|| A:
||
Not necessarily, but whatever you do, BE HONEST about your participation. The Consular Officer will check computer records and, if you lied, you will definitely be denied a visa.
||
|| Q:
||
Can I change my visa status once I’m in the US?
||
|| A:
||
Theoretically yes, but there are many restrictions (first of all, ask your Foreign Student Adviser). To initiate the process you must file a petition with the DHS. Beware that changing status usually takes many months.
||
|| Q:
||
What should I do if I fell out of status?
||
|| A:
||
Contact your Foreign Student Adviser for specific instructions concerning reinstatement.
||
|| Q:
||
If my visa expires, how do I renew it?
||
|| A:
||
The visa is an entry document only and needs to be valid only at the time you enter the USA. It does not need to be renewed if you stay in the USA. If you need to extend your I-94, contact your Foreign Student Adviser; this is routine and they do it frequently. If you overstay your duration of status and do not get a new I-94, you risk getting into trouble with the INS and not being able to receive another visa in the future. If you leave America, apply for a new visa at an American embassy abroad. NOTE: Applying for a new visa can be difficult in a country other than your home country; this depends on your country of origin. You may be told to go to your home country and re-apply there.
|| Shopping
Pricing
The prices marked in stores are without sales tax. Depending on the state laws, all goods might be taxed, or only non-necessities. Sales tax runs from 6-10% of the total cost. Prices are marked by a sticker or price tag on the item. If bar codes for scanning are used, the price should be marked on the shelf with the item. If you think the cashier has made a mistake in ringing up your purchases, say so immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to correct the error. Shopping Inexpensively
Explore different stores to compare prices. Look for bargain or discount stores for the best buys. When in doubt, ask Americans where a specific item can be bought inexpensively.
Watch for sales. This is when items are offered at a discounted price. The sale might be a set price (all jeans in stock now $20.99) or a percentage discount (30% off all men's dress shoes). Sales are generally advertised. Be sure to always check the local paper issued on Sunday; usually all the sales for the week will be announced. Many stores will also have clearance sales. Items on clearance generally will not be reordered, so the store needs to make room for new goods. Often these sales are unadvertised. Great bargains can be found at clearance sales!
Look for and use coupons. These can be found in the Sunday paper, in magazines, sometimes in the telephone book. A coupon is a little slip of paper allowing you to get a small discount when you buy the specific item described. The coupon will say "Save 40 cents on any Pledge", for example. That means that if you present the coupon at the time of purchase, and if you bought the correct brand and size, and if the expiration date has not passed, you will pay 40 cents less for that can of Pledge furniture polish. If the store is having a "double coupon day", the coupon is worth twice as much, (you would pay 80 cents less for a can of Pledge).
Purchases can be made very inexpensively at garage sales and second hand stores. Used items in good condition often can be found for a low price. Also check newspapers and local bulletin boards for listings of used goods for sale. Shopping by Mail
In the U.S. many people order items out of a catalog and receive those purchases in the mail. A catalog is a colorful publication that has photographs and descriptions of the items for sale. If you have a credit card, you can order the items by phone. If you pay by check or money order, you can fill out the order form and mail it to the company represented by the catalog. When considering catalog prices, remember that you will also have to pay postage fees, which can be quite expensive. Be sure to find out before you buy what the company's policy is for returning items. The picture in the catalog may turn out to be much nicer than the actual item when you receive it. Store Policies
Before making a purchase, find out what the store's return policy is. Usually this information is posted near the check-out counter. Generally you need to save the receipt you received at the time of purchase if you want to return an item, and sometimes stores require that price tags or stickers are still on the purchase. You may want to simply exchange the item for a different one (in a different size or color, for example), or you may want to receive a refund (get your money back). Instead of refunds, some stores offer store credit with which you can buy something else there for the same price.
Stores also post what kind of payment they will accept. All stores will accept cash, but not all accept credit cards or personal checks. If you want to pay by check, make sure you have with you the appropriate identification documents required by the store.
Stores also have different security policies. Some will require you to leave any shopping bags at the front of the store. Others will insist on stapling your bag, even if you are leaving the store immediately. Sometimes stores have video cameras or large mirrors to defend against people who steal from stores, called shoplifters. If you are caught shoplifting, you could jeopardize your visa status. Keep anything you plan to buy in clear view; for example, a birthday card stuck into your purse could be seen as an attempt to shoplift.
Factors Important To Successful Intercultural Adjustment:
Open-Mindedness. The ability to keep one's responses flexible and receptive to new stimuli is crucial for this factor. Open-minded is demonstrated by a willingness to try to understand and appreciate (although not necessarily adopt) the values and beliefs of others, and the fact that a different point of view is valid.
Sense of Humor. A sense of humor is important because in another culture, there are many things which lead one to weep, get angry, be annoyed, embarrassed, or discouraged. The ability to laugh things off, and not take one's self or the situation too seriously will help guard against despair.
Ability to Cope with Failure. The ability to tolerate failure is critical because everyone fails at something overseas. Persons who go overseas are often those who have been successful in their home environments and thus may have rarely experienced failure. Such experience with failure is important in developing a range of coping skills.
Communicativeness. Many situations in other cultures are confusing and ambiguous. A successful candidate needs to be able to express one's own feelings and thoughts, as well as to be able to ask for help in interpreting unfamiliar behaviors and subtle cultural cues. They should also be able and willing to listen to others express their thoughts and feelings.
Flexibility and Adaptability. The ability to respond to or to tolerate the ambiguity of new situations is a crucial factor in cross cultural adjustment. This may mean having to alter and/or give up familiar behavioral patterns, and become familiar with or take on new behaviors of the host family and culture.
Curiosity. Curiosity is the demonstrated desire to know about other people, places, ideas, values, etc. This skill or personality trait is important for intercultural travelers because they are constantly being confronted with new and different events and behaviors, and a genuine interest in those differences usually leads to positive responses.
Positive and Realistic Expectations. It is well known that students choose to spend time overseas for a variety of reasons, some publicly stated and many private ones. It is important to notice how realistically the student understands that this experience will be difficult but worth the reward if s/he perseveres.
Tolerance for Differences. A person will need to be able to tolerate, for a long period of time, people who have different values, beliefs and practices. This implies an inner strength to be able not only to learn about others but also to feel secure within one's self in the midst of others who may feel, look, and act in a different manner.
Positive Regard for Others. This factor includes the ability to express warmth, empathy, respect, and positive regard for other persons. It is the ability to perceive and "feel" a situation from the point of view of others without judging or reacting negatively. People are most effective when they are able to communicate this empathy to others even when a situation or behavior may make them feel uncomfortable.
A Sense of Self. A clear, secure feeling about oneself is usually present in individuals who are neither weak nor overbearing in their relationships with others. Persons with this strong, secure sense of themselves stand up for what they believe but do not cling to those beliefs in the face of new information or perspectives. A good sense of self is also expressed in an individual's ability to understand and appreciate the values and beliefs of others while not being overly fearful of losing oneself in the process.
Before you pack, check with your airlines to see how much baggage you will be allowed to take with you. Usually, passengers are allowed 2 large bags that will be checked at the airport (dimensions vary depending on the airline) and 2 carry-ons that you can bring with you on to the plane. Contact your airline to find out how large these bags can be.
Official Documents:
Original passport and visa, and a copy of your IAP-66 or I-20 form (this may be attached to your passport). Also make a copy of these documents to have with you in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Medical documents: Proof (in English!) of any immunizations you have had.
Certified copies of official diplomas and transcripts as well as recommendation letters in your native language and in English. You may want to apply for jobs, scholarships, or programs while you are in the US and it will be very difficult to get these documents once you have left your home country.
Clothes:
Bring a basic selection of clothes for each season. Check for weather conditions of the town you will live in before you leave, and bring clothes appropriate for other regions if you intend to travel. Remember that American students dress casually. You will need at least one formal outfit for special occasions.
Names and addresses/E-mail/fax numbers of family and friends:
Collect this information before you leave your home country! And don't forget to give out your address to your contacts here before you leave. If you don't have a permanent address, the international student office may be able to provide you with a temporary address at the university that you can use in the meantime.
Gifts:
Bring a few inexpensive gifts that are representative of your culture to share with new friends. Music, picture books, postcards, pins, and cookbooks are some suggestions.
Books:
Books are heavy, so only bring the ones you will absolutely need. Past students have suggested bi-lingual dictionaries (especially technical dictionaries pertaining to your field of study), basic texts and manuals that will be useful in your studies.
Medicine:
A small supply of familiar medication, such as pain relievers, that you are used to. If you have prescription medicines, you might want to bring a larger supply of those as well. Doctors in the US will not prescribe medications, even if you bring prescriptions with you, without a diagnosis. So, if you know you will need certain medications immediately, bring them.
Photos of friends, relatives and places you love.
Music cassettes, CD:
Music you enjoy and music that can be useful for cultural activities.
And Don't Forget:
• To prepare a "carry-on" travel bag with a change of clothes, important documents and personal articles you may need, in case your luggage is lost or temporarily misdirected during your journey.
• To label all luggage inside and out with your name (c/o your department or the international student office) and the name and address of your university destination.
• To take some spending money to cover incidentals during your trip. Bring enough for taxi fare, meals, and one night's stay in a hotel in case you are not met at the airport.
||
Most Difficult Questions About Visas
||
||
Q:
||
How should I behave during the interview? Which questions are asked during the interview?
||
||
A:
||
Both J1 and F1 visa applicants are subject for interviews at the Embassy. • Be confident, sincere and willing to answer any question. Be yourself and DO NOT LIE. • Be ready to describe your academic program and the kind of career or job it will help you get after return to your home country. • You will be asked to prove that you can finance your education and that you will return home after the program. These are normal questions and you should be prepared to answer them with cogent arguments.
||
||
Q:
||
In which cases can they refuse to issue me a visa?
||
||
A:
||
You will be denied a visa if: • You fail to demonstrate the intention to return home after completion of your studies • You don’t have adequate financial support • You don’t seem to be qualified for the proposed program of study (for example, you have very poor English)
||
||
Q:
||
Will I get a visa denial if I took part in green card lottery before?
||
||
A:
||
Not necessarily, but whatever you do, BE HONEST about your participation. The Consular Officer will check computer records and, if you lied, you will definitely be denied a visa.
||
||
Q:
||
Can I change my visa status once I’m in the US?
||
||
A:
||
Theoretically yes, but there are many restrictions (first of all, ask your Foreign Student Adviser). To initiate the process you must file a petition with the DHS. Beware that changing status usually takes many months.
||
||
Q:
||
What should I do if I fell out of status?
||
||
A:
||
Contact your Foreign Student Adviser for specific instructions concerning reinstatement.
||
||
Q:
||
If my visa expires, how do I renew it?
||
||
A:
||
The visa is an entry document only and needs to be valid only at the time you enter the USA. It does not need to be renewed if you stay in the USA. If you need to extend your I-94, contact your Foreign Student Adviser; this is routine and they do it frequently. If you overstay your duration of status and do not get a new I-94, you risk getting into trouble with the INS and not being able to receive another visa in the future. If you leave America, apply for a new visa at an American embassy abroad. NOTE: Applying for a new visa can be difficult in a country other than your home country; this depends on your country of origin. You may be told to go to your home country and re-apply there.
||
Shopping
Pricing
The prices marked in stores are without sales tax. Depending on the state laws, all goods might be taxed, or only non-necessities. Sales tax runs from 6-10% of the total cost. Prices are marked by a sticker or price tag on the item. If bar codes for scanning are used, the price should be marked on the shelf with the item. If you think the cashier has made a mistake in ringing up your purchases, say so immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to correct the error.
Shopping Inexpensively
Explore different stores to compare prices. Look for bargain or discount stores for the best buys. When in doubt, ask Americans where a specific item can be bought inexpensively.
Watch for sales. This is when items are offered at a discounted price. The sale might be a set price (all jeans in stock now $20.99) or a percentage discount (30% off all men's dress shoes). Sales are generally advertised. Be sure to always check the local paper issued on Sunday; usually all the sales for the week will be announced. Many stores will also have clearance sales. Items on clearance generally will not be reordered, so the store needs to make room for new goods. Often these sales are unadvertised. Great bargains can be found at clearance sales!
Look for and use coupons. These can be found in the Sunday paper, in magazines, sometimes in the telephone book. A coupon is a little slip of paper allowing you to get a small discount when you buy the specific item described. The coupon will say "Save 40 cents on any Pledge", for example. That means that if you present the coupon at the time of purchase, and if you bought the correct brand and size, and if the expiration date has not passed, you will pay 40 cents less for that can of Pledge furniture polish. If the store is having a "double coupon day", the coupon is worth twice as much, (you would pay 80 cents less for a can of Pledge).
Purchases can be made very inexpensively at garage sales and second hand stores. Used items in good condition often can be found for a low price. Also check newspapers and local bulletin boards for listings of used goods for sale.
Shopping by Mail
In the U.S. many people order items out of a catalog and receive those purchases in the mail. A catalog is a colorful publication that has photographs and descriptions of the items for sale. If you have a credit card, you can order the items by phone. If you pay by check or money order, you can fill out the order form and mail it to the company represented by the catalog. When considering catalog prices, remember that you will also have to pay postage fees, which can be quite expensive. Be sure to find out before you buy what the company's policy is for returning items. The picture in the catalog may turn out to be much nicer than the actual item when you receive it.
Store Policies
Before making a purchase, find out what the store's return policy is. Usually this information is posted near the check-out counter. Generally you need to save the receipt you received at the time of purchase if you want to return an item, and sometimes stores require that price tags or stickers are still on the purchase. You may want to simply exchange the item for a different one (in a different size or color, for example), or you may want to receive a refund (get your money back). Instead of refunds, some stores offer store credit with which you can buy something else there for the same price.
Stores also post what kind of payment they will accept. All stores will accept cash, but not all accept credit cards or personal checks. If you want to pay by check, make sure you have with you the appropriate identification documents required by the store.
Stores also have different security policies. Some will require you to leave any shopping bags at the front of the store. Others will insist on stapling your bag, even if you are leaving the store immediately. Sometimes stores have video cameras or large mirrors to defend against people who steal from stores, called shoplifters. If you are caught shoplifting, you could jeopardize your visa status. Keep anything you plan to buy in clear view; for example, a birthday card stuck into your purse could be seen as an attempt to shoplift.